Bitter bartender a contender in Iron Bar Chef Competition

James Lee, mixologist at the Bitter Bar at Happy (known as Happy Noodle House until very recently), is heading from Boulder to New York this weekend, for the annual Santé Restaurant Symposium -- where he'll be competing against against five other bartenders in the Iron Bar Chef contest.

The competitors will have 45 minutes to create three drinks (aperitif, tall drink and dessert drink) using a secret ingredient; drinks will be evaluated on appearance, aroma, taste, use of secret ingredients, and overall impression. The winner will get a thousand bucks and immediately qualify to compete in the 2009 Shake It Out competition, with a chance to win $5,000.

Lee was selected for this competition based on the "Scottish Sunset," a cocktail he concocted at the Bitter Bar. The recipe follows.

Scottish Sunset

2 oz. Hendrick's Gin

0.25 oz. Glenfiddich 15 yr

0.5 oz. Briottet creme de framboise

0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice

1 slice English cucumber

Muddle cucumber in a mixing glass, then add all other ingredients with ice and shake for 10 seconds. Double strain into a classic coupe. Garnish with a cucumber twist and a raspberry.

Get the Dining Newsletter

The week's top local food news and events, plus interviews with chefs and restaurant owners, dining tips, and a peek at our print review.